VOL. 135 NO. 9 JUNE 2014
CONTENTS
Inaugural Address 3 Tim Boyd ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’ 8 Pedro Oliveira The Voice of the Silence — IV 13 Clara Codd Let Every Moment be a New Dawn 18 S. Sundaram Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom 25 Radha Burnier Realizing the Self 30 Pradip Satpathy No Effort is Lost Towards Pursuing Noble Intentions 33 G. Dakshina Moorthy Theosophical Work around the World 36 International Directory 40
Editor: Mr Tim Boyd
NOTE: Articles for publication in The Theosophist should be sent to the Editorial Office. Cover: International Headquarters building seen through one of Adyar’s trilithons — Adyar Times
Official organ of the President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky, 1879. The Theosophical Society is responsible only for official notices appearing in this magazine.
1 THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY Founded 17 November 1875 President: Mr Tim Boyd Vice-President: Mr M. P. Singhal Secretary: Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy Treasurer: Mr T. S. Jambunathan Headquarters: ADYAR, CHENNAI (MADRAS) 600 020, INDIA Secretary: [email protected] Treasury: [email protected] Adyar Library and Research Centre: [email protected] Theosophical Publishing House: [email protected] & [email protected] Fax: (+91-44) 2490-1399 Editorial Office: [email protected] Website: http://www.ts-adyar.org The Theosophical Society is composed of students, belonging to any religion in the world or to none, who are united by their approval of the Society’s Objects, by their wish to remove religious antagonisms and to draw together men of goodwill, whatsoever their religious opinions, and by their desire to study religious truths and to share the results of their studies with others. Their bond of union is not the profession of a common belief, but a common search and aspiration for Truth. They hold that Truth should be sought by study, by reflection, by purity of life, by devotion to high ideals, and they regard Truth as a prize to be striven for, not as a dogma to be imposed by authority. They consider that belief should be the result of individual study or intuition, and not its antecedent, and should rest on knowledge, not on assertion. They extend tolerance to all, even to the intolerant, not as a privilege they bestow but as a duty they perform, and they seek to remove ignorance, not punish it. They see every religion as an expression of the Divine Wisdom and prefer its study to its condemnation, and its practice to proselytism. Peace is their watchword, as Truth is their aim. Theosophy is the body of truths which forms the basis of all religions, and which cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible, and which demonstrates the justice and the love which guide its evolution. It puts death in its rightful place, as a recurring incident in an endless life, opening the gateway to a fuller and more radiant existence. It restores to the world the Science of the Spirit, teaching man to know the Spirit as himself and the mind and body as his servants. It illuminates the scriptures and doctrines of religions by unveiling their hidden meanings, and thus justifying them at the bar of intelligence, as they are ever justified in the eyes of intuition. Members of the Theosophical Society study these truths, and theosophists endeavour to live them. Everyone willing to study, to be tolerant, to aim high, and to work perseveringly, is welcomed as a member, and it rests with the member to become a true theosophist.
2 The Theosophist Inaugural Address Inaugural Address
TIM BOYD
GREETINGS, everyone. It is a great doubt, has been a great individual. None honour to be here with all of you. It is a of them was perfect, but all of them humbling experience that so many of you were perfect in their devotion to the would take the time and have the interest Theosophical Society and in their life of in the Theosophical Society and who its service to this work that they saw as so President might be. I am here today because valuable. As the eighth President, I am the we have recently completed an election most recent one to bring my own par- and now we are having an inauguration. ticular set of imperfections to this work, The Theosophical Society, since its but I promise that I will try. More than that, founding, has been dedicated to the demo- I cannot promise. cratic form of choosing its leadership. A Since its inception the Theosophical vote has taken place. Some people have Society has been engaged in a very im- voted one way, and others have voted portant work around the world. Much of differently. To those who saw that there it we have seen, but a great deal has taken was some value in the possibility that place in the most important areas that it I might assume this position, I am thank- came into being to serve, that is, the inner ful. For all those who saw another choice levels of our being. If we were to really and another possibility, I am equally try to put our finger on what it is that the thankful, because all of us have invested Society has done, we could say that it has ourselves not just in a person, but in an been engaged in seeding human con- organization that has a deep history, a sciousness, much like a farmer seeds the powerful vision, and a mission for the land, with seeds of great potency that it was upliftment of humanity. So the individual hoped would spring to life. The particular who ends up standing in front of the name that was given to this work was microphone is certainly a secondary Theosophy, the Ageless Wisdom, which consideration. speaks of the possibilities for unfoldment I find myself in the position of being of capacities that each of us have, but that the eighth President of the Theosophical seem to remain hidden, latent, throughout Society since its founding in 1875 in New the course of our lifetimes. York City. Many of you have known some With the introduction of the Theo- of the people who have occupied this sophical Society, much of that hidden land- position, and each one of them, without scape of our consciousness became vividly
June 2014 The Theosophist 3 Inaugural Address described, and an avenue for actual trans- unknown, particularly to the Western world. formation was depicted for us all. When Ideas that are quite common and we look at it historically, one seed that was ordinary in the Eastern world — such planted grew and arose in someone like as karma and reincarnation, that are a Annie Besant. Another seed sprouted into fact that people build their lives upon — someone by the name of J. Krishnamurti. to the Western world of Europe and the Other seeds that were planted relate to Americas, these ideas were unknown. contemporary scientists and philosophers Today, any dictionary in the world contains like Rupert Sheldrake, poets like W. B. all of these terms, and the ideas have taken Yeats, artists like Kandisky. The move- root in a popular sense. It is not uncommon ment of human thought, the arts, and all when I am in the United States at a coffee of the realms of expansion from the inner shop or in a grocery store to overhear a to the outer have been deeply influenced conversation with someone talking about by this act of planting these various seeds. their karma, or about reincarnation, or While all of that has its own great about some level of dreams and their importance, to you and to me probably meanings — all of these things were the true importance of this act of planting unheard of in the world of 1875, and now seeds is that they have been planted equally are quite common. Those particular seeds in each of us. We now await how they have flowered. will arise and flower. The work of the TS This blessing is also part of the in the world and its influence on world problem. The Theosophical teachings consciousness is clear and undeniable. present a comprehensive view. However, Nothing that we see in the world today has the world at large has adopted it in its par- not been touched by this wisdom called ticulars, taking what has been of interest, Theosophy and its Society. Each one of leaving behind the greater view within us is a recipient of this great benefit. The which it resides. So such concepts as original injunction of the Society to popu- karma, planes of Nature, spiritual evolu- larize the knowledge of Theosophy, in tion, even such beings as the Masters of many ways has been fulfilled splendidly. the Wisdom, have been diminished — If we trace our thinking back to the reduced to commodities and mere details context of 1875, when this Society arose, in the ceaseless quest for self-satisfaction. the various ideas and concepts that we This is something of a problem. take for granted today — such as the As a member of the Theosophical sevenfold constitution of the human Society, this condition of the world brings being; that we are more than just the certain questions to mind. At the time the body; that there are layers and layers, Society was started, it was viewed as a planes of existence, which are functioning soothing balm of truth that could do much, simultaneously within each of us — if properly presented, to alleviate many of were not just remote ideas, they were the self-induced sufferings in our world.
4 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Inaugural Address Few people would argue that the same in bringing about this state of affairs in sorts of selfish motives that were active in the world? Have we abdicated a role that the hearts and minds of many in 1875 are should fall to those who, at least in theory, less active in 2014. If anything the level have knowledge? It causes us to ask yet of selfish competition has increased. another question: Is knowledge, even know- Nations, groups, individuals, find them- ledge that we describe as Theosophical, selves in constant contest with one another sufficient? Is it enough to say that ‘I know’, — for what? Everybody, it seems, is trying and that I know something which has been to get more. More of what? You pick it: pointed to by wise persons over all the ages more control, more money, more fame, as something of great value? more. The same sorts of hungers that Somehow, the answer that the world gnaw at the hearts of people now, have gives us is that perhaps something more gnawed at the hearts of people before, is needed — and what is it? Everyone is even in the presence of something that we endowed with some degree of sensitivity call ‘Theosophy’. What we describe as in perhaps slightly different ways. There religious sectarianism does not differ in are a few people who are not aware that any of its details from warring nations or there is a new pattern emerging in today’s from predatory businesses. Lump them world. We see it happening, we know that all together and they all look the same. something is taking place, but our ability Everybody is competing for ‘market to describe its outlines, to point to the way share’ — their piece of the global pie. in which it is going to emerge, is somehow The scenario of today is not the hoped- limited. Still, everybody knows that some- for vision of humanity that so many people thing is going on in this world. projected into the future at the time of the There is a mighty consciousness that is founding of the TS. It forces us to ask cer- wanting to make itself known in the world. tain questions of ourselves. The first might If it were a person, we could describe it as be: ‘What, in fact, has become of this sooth- something seeking to walk among us. There ing balm of truth that the Theosophical is this consciousness, always searching, Society introduced into the world?’ There just like water searches for ways to flow. is no religion higher than truth; there is This consciousness is perpetually available no dharma higher than truth — no person, to openings through which it can make no ideas, no movement, no teachings. itself felt. For those who have embraced In the face of this most recent expression the spiritual path, to whom the ideas and of the Ageless Wisdom, what has been the actual experience of Theosophy have response of our world? This also brings become meaningful, we can describe our to mind another question: As members of role as becoming that opening. the Theosophical Society, as people who There is a problem for us. It may sound actually value and try to live by our blunt, and perhaps it is better not said, but experience of this Truth, what is our role the world today, with its deep yearning for
June 2014 The Theosophist 5 Inaugural Address some connection with something that is nothing to do with building houses. It has ‘real’, something that speaks to the inner to do with a state of our being which per- beauty, the inner calling that is in every haps is sometimes overlooked. In a word, person — that world — is not beating a that condition of our being, of our mind, path to our door, and there is no reason to could be described as a state of openness. expect it. Perhaps the question that would Like the door is open, like the window be more valuable to us is: Are we beating is open, it is a condition of our being that a path to the door of those in need? This resists nothing, that blocks nothing, that work that lies before us is the same work does not turn from that which our minds that lay before the Founders; it has not categorize as ugly or low. Resist not. changed. It is the work of becoming open Resistance, of its very nature, is the res- to a world in need. ponse of a mind that is trapped in fear. One of the great TS Presidents, Annie ‘Self-protection’ is the mind that resists. Besant, talked about the spiritual life in For those who are genuinely wise, this many ways. One of the things she said behaviour may even seem humorous, if it about spirituality, and particularly about did not cause so much pain. A modern our efforts and our approach to it, is that Taoist philosopher asked, then answered we should let our spirituality be judged a question: ‘Why is it that you are so by our effect on the world — not by how unhappy? Because 99.9 per cent of every- good we feel about ourselves, not about thing you do, of everything you think, of our ability to become quiet in our private everything you want, is for your self, moments — none of those things: ‘Let our and there isn’t one.’ The self that occupies spirituality be judged by our effect on the so much of our attention, that we take world. Let us be careful that the world may excessive pains to beautify, to harmonize, grow purer, better, happier because we are to get the right diet, to think the right living in it.’ Perhaps that may not be thoughts, this self is, by its very nature, everyone’s standard for spirituality, but without substance. it is a valid one for us to consider. The more outwardly acquisitive forms I will share with you two overlooked of selfishness: grabbing for money, houses, passages from Christian spirituality. These reputation, are easy to identify. The more are the ones that people tend not to quote. subtle ones, like our commitment to an The first one is: ‘Unless the Lord builds enduring self that will continue to exist from the house, they labour in vain that build it.’ body to body, from culture to culture, are The second, and one that formed the basis more difficult. When closely examined, for the work of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin no one has yet been able to point to this Luther King, and others of that depth of elusive self. Answers are good, but it perception: ‘Resist not evil.’ The con- is the question that is more valuable. nection for me between those two quotes The question establishes the focus for has nothing to do with evil, definitely living. Answers tend to be small things.
6 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Inaugural Address So these are the questions, the matters being called out for. That state is this that should be stirring within us. At this quality of openness; not tolerance, not time we are wanting for nothing in this merely accepting different creeds, reli- work of unfoldment. The seed has been gions, or races. While that is important, planted within us, the soil, the water, the openness demands something more of us. nutrients, are all to be found in this In this moment, let us respond to this moment. The only thing that prevents the ever-calling invitation to openness, which light from shinning and stirring these seeds is the only way in which we as individuals into life are the obstacles we throw up, can be transformed, and the only way in like clouds. which humanity can experience the They say that who you are speaks so regeneration that has been spoken of by loudly that people cannot hear a word that past Presidents. That is the goal of the you are saying. Your inner state is what is Theosophical work as a whole. µ
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws will be expanded, and interpreted in his favour in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau Walden
June 2014 The Theosophist 7 ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’ ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’
PEDRO OLIVEIRA
HISTORY presents abundant evidence than twenty six million people were killed, that the search for power which originates and many millions more displaced. in personal desire and ambition ends up Dictatorships mushroomed around the in failure. It has become a platitude to world in the second half of the twentieth criticize the visibly selfish politicians but century in many countries and caused the malady of power can be very subtle untold suffering. and yet also destructive. The Bolsheviks Abraham Lincoln remarked ‘nearly all in Russia, for example, were utterly con- men can stand adversity, but if you want vinced that they had inaugurated a new to test a man’s character, give him power’. era for that country. However, in a little Indeed the truth of this statement has more than eighty years the communist universal applicability. Law-abiding indi- regime collapsed, for it had created a select viduals, friendly and cooperative, seem to class of people which enjoyed privileges undergo a transformation when invested that ordinary workers would never see in with authority and power. They can their lifetime. It also had affirmed itself become domineering, mean, violent, and by sending thousands of dissidents to the sometimes even brutal in their personal dreaded Gulags, or forced labour camps. exercise of power. Why is this so? One As Thomas Jefferson, one of the possible answer to this question can be Founding Fathers of the United States of found in the Pratyabhijnâ Hridayam of America, stated: ‘Experience has shown Ksemarâja, aphorism 12, as translated by that even under the best forms of govern- I. K. Taimni: ment, those entrusted with power have, The essential nature of bondage in the in time, and by slow operations, perverted unreal world of manifestation is being in- it into tyranny’. The cruel, despotic, and fatuated with one’s own limited individual murderous dictatorships of the twentieth power owing to lack of awareness of that century sadly corroborate Jefferson’s Reality which is the source of all power. view. Under Nazi rule in Germany and Stalinist rule in the Soviet Union more The dictionary meaning of ‘infatuation’
Mr Pedro Oliveira, now a member of the Australian Section of the TS, has worked for the TS at Adyar and earlier in Brazil. Talk delivered at the International Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.
8 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’ is ‘an intense but short-lived passion or become a mirage of the desert. admiration for someone or something’. In The other disturbing aspect of the this case it is an infatuation with power so-called information revolution is the seen as an extension of oneself. The almost pathological level of absorption in intensity of love of power creates the cyberspace which can be seen in the world illusion that such a state of things would today. If you board a train or a bus, or last forever, as the lives of many dictators walk through the city, you will see many and despots show. In October 1989, people disappearing into their electronic dictatorial regimes in Eastern Europe fell communication gadgets, which makes the one after another in a few weeks of other practically non-existent. Martin popular uprising. However, the above Buber, the well-known Jewish theologian, mentioned aphorism clearly shows that once defined religion as the supreme the only true source of power lies in the discovery of the other. He also said that One Reality, which is an integrated state life is relation. Instead of means of of consciousness and energy (ºiva and communication such gadgets become ºakti). For modern science, energy is a actually life partners, almost an addiction measurable field whose behaviour can be sometimes, instead of just instruments that studied under laboratory conditions. In the can simplify and make more effective our Perennial Wisdom tradition, energy, or communication with others. ºakti, is regarded as the Mother of the We have surrendered to the power of Universe, nourishing the evolution of information, we swim in an ocean of sounds, countless forms of life. It is not different images, words, and impressions, but that from compassion and wisdom. All other does not necessarily improve our capacity forms of power existing in the phenomenal to see, to listen, and to reflect, and there- world are just limited expressions of that fore to relate to others. This new trend eternally benign source. represents a clear tendency towards self- The widespread power of our time is absorption. J. Krishnamurti, in his last talk information, and therefore we see govern- in Madras in January 1986, was almost ments investing large sums of money to prophetic when he questioned the future win the race of espionage and eaves- impact of computers on the human brain. dropping on individuals, companies, and T. S. Eliot also had a warning for the governments. The deep connectedness of information age: information systems around the world Where is the wisdom we have lost in creates the stage for the advent of infor- knowledge? mation as power. Whoever obtains the Where is the knowledge we have lost in needed information first places himself or information? herself in a position of advantage, thus furthering their own power. In the world The Italian semiologist Umberto Eco, of information, individual privacy has almost echoing Eliot’s eloquent words,
June 2014 The Theosophist 9 ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’ said that ‘too much information amounts processes in their own countries, it is just to noise’. The noise caused by too much not possible to ignore the sometimes information makes us lose the knowledge massive irony of such a definition. Free of our own understanding of what life is. and fair elections — and responsible and When that happens our opinions are, at accountable governments — are a reality best, second hand. that has not arrived in many countries in What is power? One of the dictionary the world yet. definitions is ‘the capacity or ability to When power is exercised for self- direct or influence the behaviour of others benefit in any form it cannot bring about or the course of events’. It is almost indis- renewal. An amalgamation of opinions, tinguishable from control. Political parties strong desires, and ambition imprisons the desire to remain in power not necessarily mind in a kind of parallel reality, making because they have the best platform of the awareness of the needs of others — policies and ideas to uplift the under- sometimes the needs of millions — as privileged in society and to create equality. almost non-existent for all practical pur- At the heart of such a desire is the craving poses. For example, very few countries for the benefits that power brings. Vaclav in the world have an equitable, just and Havel marvelled the world when he truly accessible healthcare system. Millions resigned as president of Czechoslovakia of children go without food every day and when it was decided to split the country many communities live without access to in two. It was not difficult for him to drinkable water. One of the hopeful signs relinquish power. Such men are truly rare. in the world today is the fact that local The fact that they are admired indicates and very difficult issues are now receiving that, deep down, a number of people value global attention through social media. This unselfishness in political life, while others not only creates awareness, but also offers continue to exercise their vote by giving solutions that the moral and political inertia it to sometimes questionable candidates. of local governments has so far ignored. As George Bernard Shaw once said, ‘He Those who inspired the formation of knows nothing; and he thinks he knows the Theosophical Society insisted that everything. That points clearly to a polit- Universal Brotherhood should be — has ical career.’ to be — its primary purpose. For them The democratic rule of law has become Universal Brotherhood was not an ideo- an important institution in the world logy, a political platform, or even a belief. following the revolutions in the eighteenth They spoke of it as ‘the only secure and nineteenth centuries. Democracy, foundation for universal morality’. At from Greek demokratia (from demos, ‘the levels that none of us can see humanity people’, and kratia, ‘power, rule’) is hailed is one body, one living organism, one as the government of the people. For those power, one life. Such is the ‘power that who follow world events and also political maketh all things new’. This is also the
10 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’ power of wisdom, as presented in the Old that the important issues affecting the Testament, in the book of Wisdom of country today are essentially the same as Solomon (7:27): ‘And being but one, she during her years of dedicated service — can do all things: and remaining in herself, education, the condition of women, the she maketh all things new.’ system of political representation, the Life, in its purest manifestations, is need for a spiritually-based ethics, the indistinguishable from newness. A brand protection and upliftment of the weak — new shoot in a shrub or a tree, a little kitten, shows that she contacted something a puppy, the dew drops on the leaves, the profoundly true within herself which was face of a baby; all express a freshness that also profoundly relevant for the country. comes from a different dimension. And In her book India — Bond or Free? such freshness and newness continue to A World Problem, in the chapter on Home follow life in myriads of other expressions. Rule for India, Dr Besant stated the For Ilya Prigogine, the great Belgian following regarding the nature of India: scientist, the real secret of the Second Law India in the past has shown that the of Thermodynamics is not just entropy or highest spirituality does not prevent, but disorder, it is also renewal. ensures, the greatness of achievement in Dr Besant stated: the many-aspected splendour of a Nation’s There is no life without consciousness; life; under the shelter of her sublime there is no consciousness without life. religion she developed a literature of un- When we vaguely separate them in thought paralleled intellectual power, philosophical and analyse what we have done, we find and metaphysical; her Art flowered into that we have called consciousness turned exquisite beauty; her dramas still purify inward by the name of life, and life turned and inspire. outwards by the name of consciousness. Col. Olcott and Madame Blavatsky When our attention is fixed on unity we did not decide to establish the inter- say life; when it is fixed upon multiplicity national Headquarters of the Theosophical we say consciousness; and we forget that Society in India — and at Adyar — the multiplicity is due to, is the essence of, because of their personal fantasy. They matter, the reflecting surface in which the were instructed to do so by their Adept- One becomes the Many. Teachers as the ancient ethos of India is Can there be renewal in the human one of universality and tolerance, both of consciousness, particularly in its relation- which are essential in the search for Truth. ship with power? Dr Besant worked very It is not without a reason that people hard for India to be transformed by the throughout India called Dr Besant ‘Vasant’, power of brotherhood and wisdom. Some which means Spring. In her many activities say she failed and that the liberation she brought to bear the energy of spiritual struggle left her behind. But the simple fact renewal, aimed at the upliftment of the
June 2014 The Theosophist 11 ‘A Power that Maketh All Things New’ poor and at the growing responsibility of sufficient evidence that those who know those who had the benefit of education. more have a moral responsibility to uplift She once addressed graduates of a college their fellow human beings. Knowledge can- in India saying that the world would only not be divorced from moral responsibility. see an era of peace and brotherhood when Because Dr Besant emptied herself of those who were educated at the cost of personal ambition and the selfish exercise the education of millions would repay that of power, she became the instrument of education through selfless service. There vastly beneficent powers that always work are those who may argue that having paid for the regeneration of humanity. Her life for their education they do not owe any- was touched by a love that does not end, thing to society. However, a world which that ‘rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices has millions of illiterate people and many in the truth’, as taught by St Paul. Only more millions sunk in abject poverty is love can bring renewal. µ
To be powerful and effective, our contribution and our attitude must be positive. It is by the very texture of our lives, the total quality of our thoughts and feelings and actions, that we build this nucleus of Brotherhood and give it a secure future. It is not by policy, programmes, or by influencing people’s opinions or votes that we create a fair future. It is by our love and integrity and unselfishness, the completeness of our dedication to the service of humanity. When our work for the Society is really established upon those qualities in ourselves, we shall have discovered something which will enable us to live and act without doing or even thinking injustice to others and without agitation or anxiety. Hugh Shearman A Guide to Work in the Theosohical Society
12 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 The Voice of the Silence — IV The Voice of the Silence — IV
CLARA CODD
THE Voice of the Silence says there are made morality, which generally concerns three steps on this Path. The second step itself with sexual codes which, after all, is to practise the six glorious virtues. differ in different nations at different These are what are called the paramitas. times of history. I think the real occult The first one is dana and that is often morality is absolute purity of heart which translated as ‘charity’, but I am sure it is is being whole-hearted — not a divided not really the best translation. Charity has self. ‘If thine eye be single,’ said the Christ, a queer connotation with most of us. It is ‘thy whole body should be full of light.’ associated in our minds with giving things Singleness — singleness of heart is a pure away that we do not want, but that is not heart. Even if you love somebody else real charity. If we go into the derivation completely and wholly it is a pure love. of the word ‘charity’— it comes from the And then the next one is kshânti — Latin word caritas meaning clear, so the patience. One of the Christian saints, St. charitable man is the man to whom all Catherine of Sienna, thought this was the things are dear, and that is exactly what greatest of all the virtues. She said it was the word dana means, because da is the the root of all the others. So think about Sanskrit for give, so dana means the spirit patience. Do you remember how The Voice of giving. On the outgoing path we are of the Silence puts it? ‘Have perseverance, taking everything, but on the return path, have patience, candidate, as one who fears the spiritual man in us grows by giving. no failure, courts no success.’ Isn’t that He could not do otherwise — he is the wonderful when you think of it? You essence of it. I think these paramitas are know all of us are a little anxious; we fear very similar to the noble eight-fold path failures, we try to get success as quickly of the Buddha and also to what I call the as possible. Now if we had real patience noble eight-fold path of the Christ — that we would fear no failure and would not is, the eight beatitudes. The second one is court any success. We do not want to set morality. But there again I think we have out to achieve anything, to be something. a wrong connotation. Occult morality has This is what Krishnaji is trying to tell us. got nothing whatever to do with man- People talk about initiations, about
Reprint from November 1974, The Theosophist. This is the 125th year of the publication of The Voice of the Silence.
June 2014 The Theosophist 13 The Voice of the Silence — IV being one with the Master and all sorts of that intuitive identication with all others, things, but what they are really thinking, then therein are all the virtues. The lack only they don’t realize it, is their own of virtue arises really from too much self. personality being a success and being one It is a very simple thing. The Master also with the Master. Now that never can said — ‘The personality becomes dis- happen. Your personality has to disappear couraged, because it thinks time is short. entirely. And then in another verse, ‘Have The Eternal Man is never discouraged perseverance, candidate, as one who doth because he knows he is immortal.’ We forever more endure.’ We must gain the must identify ourselves with the immortal courage of our immortality. The Master man: ‘The man for whom the hour will Hilarion said, ‘Courage does not really never strike.’ belong to the physical body. It belongs to People come and talk to me like this: the immortal self, who knows himself to ‘Why didn’t I hear about these things be immortal.’ years ago? I’m too old now.’ Do not be HPB says just the same — she gave her hypnotized by your body. You are not old people a meditation, thinking of the unity inside. There is a great deal of truth in the of life in terms of space and in terms of saying that the last thoughts before you time, and said that it had three effects. First die, the last thoughts before you sleep, are of all it makes a substratum of memory in so important. That is exemplified in the our lower self which does not cease either story of the good thief on the cross. His in dreaming or waking, and its outer mani- last thought was of the Christ saying to festation is courage. With the memory of him, ‘Today thou shalt be with me in universality all dread vanishes during the Paradise.’ And don’t you see why? If you dangers and trials of life. And secondly it have the right intention even at the last was a continued attempt at an attitude of minute before you die, you have a golden mind to all existing things which is neither thread that will lead you through death, love, nor hate, nor indifference. Can you and through birth and never desert you see what that is? It really means not to have because that intention is a temporary personal love, personal indifference. So identification with your immortal self. what therefore is the frame of mind? It is So this is why Patanjali says, ‘the right having that charity, dana, to be one to use of the will is the constant effort to stand whom all things are dear. And then, HPB in spiritual being’. We could think so much says it gives you greater ease in practising about that. People do not know what ‘Will’ the virtues because all the virtues are the is. It has nothing to do with ordering people outcome of intuitive identification with around. That is arrogance! It is the constant others, known or unknown to the per- steady ‘effort to stand in spiritual being,’ sonality. Practising virtues by themselves even if you only do it in imagination to has always struck men as an unnatural begin with. So particularly when the day proceeding. But if you are that inner thing, of death comes you will remember. To
14 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 The Voice of the Silence — IV the higher self death does not matter, birth Let us go on with the fifth of the six does not matter. I remember that when virtues. HPB says, virya — dauntless HPB started her ES class, she said she energy and patience means fighting the hoped that some of them would attain Tamasic guna, and the physical body has spiritual consciousness before they died, a preponderance of that. It is the physical and then they would pass between birth body that generally makes us slack. Then and death in full consciousness. But even contemplation and vision, and lastly, the if we do not, we can have that immortal third step which will not come until the trust, that immortal faith. end. ‘To reach Nirvana’s bliss, but to ‘Thy shadows live and vanish (that is renounce it, is the supreme, the final step, our personalities) that which in thee shall the highest on renunciation’s path.’ And live for ever, that which in thee knows (for then supposing this is too high for us in it is knowledge) is not of fleeting life: it is one life: ‘If the doctrine of the Heart is too the Man that was, that is, and will be, for high-winged for thee, If thou needest help whom the hour will never strike.’ thyself and fearest to offer help to others Going back to the subject of the First — then, thou of timid heart, be warned Step — ‘To live to benefit mankind’ says in time: remain content with the “Eye The Voice of the Silence. ‘Step out from Doctrine” of the Law, (that is the religious sunlight into shade to make more room life). Hope still, for if the Secret Path is for others.’ Did you ever think of that? unobtainable this day, it is within thy Because it is quite natural for us if we see reach tomorrow. Learn that no efforts, not a bit of sunlight to step into it. Did you the smallest — whether in right or wrong ever think of stepping out of it so that direction — can vanish from the world of someone else could have it? I remember causes. . . . Thou canst create this day thy HPB talking about that. She said that if it chances for thy morrow . . . Take then as is necessary you should give food to much as merit hath in store for thee, O another man who is starving and starve thou of patient heart. Be of good cheer yourself. It is better to die yourself than to and rest content with fate. Such is thy let the other die. Karma, . . . the destiny of those who, in I think this is a lovely verse ‘Out of the their pain and sorrow, are born along with furnace of man’s life, and its black smoke, thee, rejoice and weep from life to life, (think of a man’s life and all its darkness, chained to thy previous actions.’ And then ignorance and misery) winged flames it tells us what to do. ‘Act thou for them arise, flames purified that, soaring onward, today and they will act for thee tomorrow.’ ’neath the Karmic eye, weave in the end If we do the best to help and cheer, to the fabric glorified in the three vestures make people happy, souls coming back of the Path.’ So out of ordinary life, and next life will do their best to make us its troubles, and sorrows, arises that which happy and that will give us an opportunity makes the future God. to rise to spiritual realms in another life.
June 2014 The Theosophist 15 The Voice of the Silence — IV ‘Tis from the bud of renunciation of self Sometimes the most insignificant event that springeth the sweet fruit of final is the one that is full of the greatest liberation.’ So says The Voice of the meaning’. She said that and then also this Silence. ‘Follow the wheel of life; follow — a wonderful remark, that to a man who the wheel of duty to race and kin.’ The is wholly dedicated to the Master’s work, first duty of every theosophist is to do his a real chela, nothing in his life happens duty by every duty. I know people who without its due significance — nothing. think they can leave their families and their There are no insignificant happenings in family obligations and go off and be an His life. Now do not go about looking for occultist, but you just cannot do that. They something extraordinary and wonderful. are making a great mistake because there There is nothing in the universe that is nothing in that ordinary life which is insignificant. I think that is the real hinders our being an aspirant and an meaning of St Peter’s vision where the occultist. HPB told us that one could be a Lord told Him that nothing is common or soldier walking up and down in front of a unclean. Nothing is insignificant, or does sentry box, (Can you imagine a duller life not matter. ‘Exhaust the Law of Karmic than that?) and yet be a pupil of the Master, Retribution. Gain Siddhis for thy future an occultist, because, it is not the cir- birth.’ And a little later on it says, ‘The cumstances in your life in the very least deva-sight and deva-hearing are not that affects it, it’s your inner attitude. Do acquired in one short birth.’ ‘Give light not despise life and what is around you. and comfort to the toiling pilgrim, and We must understand life. How are we seek out him who knows still less than going to understand and hear the Voice of thou; who in his wretched desolation sits God, and the Voice of the Master, except starving for the bread of wisdom, . . . through the events of daily life? Someone without a Teacher, hope, or consolation.’ once asked Mrs Besant, ‘How do I know The Master says in one of His letters that what the Master wants me to do? She said, ‘The Theosophical Society is not an ‘If you have really given your heart to Him, academy of occultism. The spiritual absolutely, watch your circumstances suffering and ignorance of the world need because you have given Him a certain help, light, and illumination. That is what right, not to alter your Karma because he we live for.’ is one with it, but to rearrange it a little.’ Someone once asked HPB if she Therefore watch what comes up in front thought she could teach the whole world of you, watch your circumstances. HPB Theosophy. ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘if we had says just the same thing. She calls it ‘A enough people we could do it.’ And I think chela’s daily life ledger’. In a letter to a we should not go about teaching them private person she asks, ‘Have you ever something we think they have got to know. thought of thinking about the events that We must find out how we can illuminate happen to you, and reading their message? and widen a rather narrow mind, how we
16 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 The Voice of the Silence — IV can warm and inspire a seeking heart. with perils of every kind, but yet a road, Here is something for us to remember: and it leads to the heart of the Universe. I can tell you how to find those who will And if he falls e’en then he does not fall show you the Secret Gateway which leads in vain; the enemies he slew in the last inward only and closes behind the neophyte battle will not return to life in the next for evermore. There is no danger that birth that will be his. But if thou wouldst dauntless courage cannot conquer. There Nirvana reach or cast the prize away (that is no trial that spotless purity cannot pass is the Secret Path) let not the fruit of action through. There is no difficulty that a strong and inaction be thy motive, O thou of intellect cannot surmount. For those who dauntless heart. win inwards there is reward past all telling, I will close now with words which are the power to bless and save humanity. For ascribed to HPB but they are not HPB’s those who fail there are other lives in words, they are Annie Besant’s words. which success may come. They are generally printed on a card with Many people fail, but as a Master said, the letters HPB underneath, but it is not ‘For this life their sun has set, but there right. When I was the General Secretary are other lives in which it will rise again.’ of the Australian Section, I used to browse What have you and I to do? To listen to in all the old magazines, and I came across the voice of our own divine selves and an article by Dr Besant about HPB and obey it, and that is the source of all real she closed the article with these words; happiness. You will really know happiness they are her words. I never thought they if you obey your own inner god. sounded like HPB. They sound like Mrs Besant — There is a road straight and narrow, beset (To be continued)
OFFICIAL NOTICE CONVENTION 2014
In accordance with Rule 46 of the Rules and Regulations of the Theosophical Society, the Executive Committee has determined that the 139th international Convention of the Theosophical Society will be held at the international Headquarters, Adyar, Chennai, India, from 26 to 31 December 2014.
Dr Chittaranjan Satapathy International Secretary
June 2014 The Theosophist 17 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn Let Every Moment be a New Dawn
S. SUNDARAM
A poet remarked a few years ago, though of people. That provides the effective India achieved ‘Freedom at Midnight’ we direction in which the society has to move have yet to see the light of the day. This and progress. The organization in which observation is equally applicable to in- we are considering the subject, ‘Role’ can dividual, family, society and the world at be defined as conduct and action based large. Age and experience certainly have on thoughts and values which are not self- not made us wiser. What has gone wrong? centred and are for the betterment of The question is whether we have to fellow beings and society. change the values which were recognized, Social transformation can be ex- imbibed and lived by a few individuals, plained as change relating to or concerned or we have to change our own outlook, with the mutual relations and welfare of our own way of thinking and living? human beings as members of society. It If a living philosophy is to solve the is not something which can be achieved problems existing in society then that phil- by passing laws. It cannot be imposed from osophy has to be implemented, translated the top. Nor is it something which can be into action and lived by the members who achieved by discovering the superficial constitute the structure or body of that motivations of humanity like greed, fear, society. It is the individual or a group of envy, etc. The most significant factor in people who can bring about these noble this regard is the social perspective of the thoughts into existence. In this regard the members themselves who want to bring role of the individual or a group of people about social transformation. Without a well- is very important. formulated social perspective all other Role is action, it demands action; it efforts would be meaningless and would demands ‘appropriate conduct which lead us nowhere. If the members of the serves as common guidelines for social Theosophical Society are to be of help in action’. The intensity of involvement of bringing about transformation, in bringing the person performing the role is a about a new world, it is necessary that they significant factor for the desired change must know what are the areas of concern. perceived by the individual or a group The point which merits consideration is Mr S. Sundaram is General Secretary of the Indian Section of the TS. Talk delivered at the international Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.
18 The Theosophist Vol. 1359 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn what human values we seek to preserve change within can bring about change in in our progress towards social advance- the very outlook towards life. Because it ment. It is not easy to define it unless one is only the agitation within, the questions has an adequate knowledge of Theosophy and doubts surging within that will help from where the members are to seek us in perceiving the beauty of the Inner assistance. Theosophy must be regarded Life, the life that is not opposite to the as activity in which knowledge and action worldly life but which is a fuller life, a are closely related. richer life and a complete life. In other As we are all aware, when transfor- words the very questions, the keenness to mation is considered in the theosophical know will lead us to the understanding of context, the emphasis is given on transfor- the oneness of life, the Unity and Harmony mation at the individual level. The stress in life without and within. In this regard, is on transformation of a person’s nature, it may not be out of place to mention that his conduct, and his outlook towards life, Dr Annie Besant and Gandhiji could because it is the individual who puts noble effectively implement their ideas into thoughts into action. In this connection practice because they were clear in their Bro. N. Sri Ram says: minds about the issues they were genuinely concerned with. They made it clear to the . . . merely to produce an outer change people that as long as we are slaves of is not enough. It is like teaching good our baser instincts and are guided by the manners. There has to be a change in forces which influence our lower nature, man fundamentally. This is precisely the political freedom and social reform will what Krishnamurti speaks of and aims be meaningless and will lead us nowhere. at, a certain fundamental change as a They showed us ‘the connection between consequence of which all the necessary the service of suffering humanity and the changes in organization and behaviour will process of self-purification’.2 come about automatically and with the The essential feature of the TS, is that greatest possible ease. When you see for it does not seek to confine anyone’s mind yourself what is the truth, you will act in within the periphery of preconceived ideas accordance with that truth. You do not then and set opinions. Everyone is free to ex- need any direction, except that truth1. plore, to delve into the depths and discover It is pertinent to understand the nature for himself whatever he can of wisdom of transformation that occurs in an in- and truth. The resolution of ‘Freedom of dividual, the transformation within an Thought’ passed by the General Council individual; transformation in one’s psyche, is based on faith in the members, all of in one’s whole being — which actually is whom have the potential to be creative and the source, the fountainhead of the outer constructive. But this freedom also casts revolution. It is only the change within that a great responsibility on every member. So, can bring about change in the outer world; it must be borne in mind that once a person
June 2014 The Theosophist 19 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn becomes a member, once he has joined not help it. And this attitude is the pertinent the Society, he becomes accountable for force which makes all the difference. We his thoughts and deeds. This certainly and never become tired of admiring, mentioning undoubtedly requires a tremendous sense and quoting those great individuals. But, of responsibility, sensibility and moral when it comes to our actual living, priority conscience. This sense of responsibility, is given to altogether different things. So, duty and honesty is derived from within. as long as this discrepancy between Unless it sprouts and grows from within, thought and deed, this gap between idea unless one is honest to one’s own self, the and practice is there, can a new world actions for carrying out a responsible work come into being with a different level and one has been assigned with, will not be different quality of people? In this regard, spontaneous3. the other point which merits consideration There have been instances in human is, could there be a process of inner change history when individuals tried to shape along with the worldly changes which will society with their broad outlook, creative develop in the people a sense of belonging thoughts, noble and saintly ideas. Had they to one another? not done so, nobody would have questioned We need to remember that what people them. The thought-provoking and soul- in general call as progress is nothing if it stirring teachings and ideas of such great does not lead to a corresponding inner saintly scholars inspired people to study change. There has to be proper and and understand the deeper and genuine harmonious blend of hand, head, and meaning of dharma. They channelled all heart or soul-force for the making of a their talents, energies, and knowledge complete human being. What is needed is not in shattering the hope of the people not merely extraordinary brilliance or but in shaping the destiny of society. The technical and scientific know-how. What atmosphere they tried to generate was is required is moral wisdom. The question impersonal, cleansing and purifying. Such arises — what can be done in the existing individuals’ sincerity and accountability situation? How can the members of the to themselves, to the social surroundings, TS be instrumental in contributing to the to Nature, and above all to Truth, distin- fashioning of a more just society in the guished them from others. Accountability future? What can be the role of Theosophy for something true, good and beautiful in an era of changes brought about by the inspired them to act in a positive way. developments in the field of technology? Their very vision of a happy, good, and How can Theosophy be made people- sane society, and the harmony of the centric? How can our voices be heard? conscience and vision motivated, or rather One might say, if we are to be heard and compelled them to act spontaneously to respected, we need to address problems transform the dream into reality. Whatever of national and universal concern. If that they did, they did because they just could is so, then I would like to add that the
20 The Theosophist Vol. 1359 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn members of the TS are not cut off from so as to bring about a harmony between the main current of society. They are thought and action, between theory and equally concerned about the problems practice of Theosophical teachings and prevailing in society — the difference is values? The life and work of great people in our approach to looking at problems. show that a radical and fundamental The TS is aiming at curing the disease and transformation can be brought about, not the symptoms. In theosophy lies the provided we set about it in the right way. untapped potential of presenting a more Let us examine our own self if there is holistic perspective of our national problems. any lack of commitment on our part? What What humanistic frame of mind shall prevents us from taking initiative and acting produce such an ethical environment? spontaneously and voluntarily when situ- This is a task which cannot be the sole ations demand such actions from us? What responsibility of the social scientists, are the factors and forces that overpower intellectuals, thinkers, and social workers. us and prevent us from taking right action It constitutes a responsibility for all of hu- at the right moment? Being concerned manity. As mentioned by Bro. N. Sri Ram: members, giving serious thought to these and several such questions may help us It is not a change in organization that is to solve the problems and tensions by needed. . . . But what is important is a proper understanding and goodwill. change in the quality of life that flows Growing consumerism has made man’s through the organization; that seems lifestyle more dependent on material much more important than procedures things, resulting in greater problems and and outer forms.4 complications. People’s needs are being Buddha said that ‘life is full of determined by advertisements through the suffering’. But that is not the only thing he mass media. Unless we overcome our said in the context of suffering. He also tendencies to acquire more and more for showed the Eightfold Path to come out our narrow personal gain and increase in of suffering. The cause of suffering is rank and power the consequences are ‘determinable’ and the way to get rid of it bound to be what we are witnessing in is also available.5 As mentioned by a the country and elsewhere in the world scholar ‘The unenlightened life I am living today. The Indian culture and tradition is without real meaning and truth.’ Unless have taught us that education is that we find out the causes of our internal which liberates, which intensifies one’s disorder, mere gathering of information in awareness and awakens one’s conscience. the name of knowledge and education will Besides, the education which does not lead us nowhere. help in the flowering of one’s whole being So, is it possible to bring about a power- is self-defeating. In the present situation ful and meaningful change in our whole it is essential to discover the possibility psyche, or thought process, and our actions, of change in which the individual and
June 2014 The Theosophist 21 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn society may be interdependent in the particle in every being of this cosmos. In profound and genuine sense of the term. other words, the very questions, the The factors and causes which promote keenness to know, will lead us to the under- inequality, fundamentalism, desire, and standing of the Oneness of Life, the Unity competition to possess more wealth have and Harmony in Life without and within. created a great crisis. It is necessary to free How to rise to the occasion? How to the individual and society from this crisis make people aware of the fact that the and to work out a model of a social system subjects which they categorize as abstract in which freedom, in the right sense, and utopian have not only inspired several prevails. An order in which morality, individuals in the past to pursue deeper good conduct, co-existence, cooperation, study, but have also enlightened and trans- and compassion may be effective and formed their entire outlook and approach powerful forces to reckon with. For this, towards life. The vision and ideas envisaged it is pertinent for each individual to and experienced by saints, seers, thinkers, become genuinely strong within, because philosophers, and great scholars have not only then will his noble and good qualities lost relevance with the passage of time. be able to create a positive impact on In fact, their significance has grown with people. So, it is necessary to awaken the the multifarious crises the world is passing moral force lying within, which alone through. How to bring about change in should guide thoughts and actions in the the existing pattern of human relationship? right direction. One must enquire and ponder over I have seen many sick and old people certain questions: What are the basic in- in my life but I never questioned certain herent qualities and context of the fundamental truths of life. The same scenes constructive force which makes some were witnessed by a Prince some 2,550 individuals into great and noble souls? years ago — the scenes disturbed his whole One finds that there is complete harmony being; then he tried to go into the depth and coordination between their thought of the causes. That very search for truth and action. Their clarity and depth of enlightened him and he is regarded as one perception — their perception of oneness of the Greatest among the Enlightened with Nature, society, and situations Beings. This shows that a questioning spontaneously result in their total and mind, an observing mind, an enquiring complete involvement with them. Their mind, the spirit of enquiry is necessary to complete involvement, with the force of understand one’s own real self, to under- their creative and constructive energy, stand the mysteries of this marvelous manifests into their voluntary commitment earth, the Cosmic Truth, and, above all, to the demands of the situation and crisis. the oneness of the whole phenomena of And the sense of awareness and commitment realizing that the one consciousness, the make them accountable to themselves and Supreme Energy, is pervading every universal existence. These teachers are
22 The Theosophist Vol. 1359 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn guided by their conscience and inner in such a mind there is greater scope for strength. Their conscience is so clear that self-cleansing and self-purification. It is they can not sit idle or remain indifferent in such a mind, the sense of freedom, to a situation which they find to be unjust. initiative, creativity and responsibility can Their answerability is to their own self, develop and flower. their own conscience and integrity. Their In the 2005 Besant Memorial Lecture, voluntary commitment to fulfil the supreme Prof. Asghar Ali Engineer pointed out the task explains their inner strength and the difference between ‘reason’ and ‘wisdom’: courage of conviction. Reason is the use of the intellect to In HPB’s ‘The Golden Stairs’ we come comprehend. It is only a tool given to us across the words ‘a clean life’, ‘an open by God, but how we use that tool to mind’, ‘a pure heart’. But it is difficult to benefit others will depend on the values distinguish between ‘a clean life’, ‘an open to which we subscribe. Reason plus values mind’, and ‘a pure heart’. They are not become wisdom. So it is the duty of all only interdependent and complementary those who believe in certain values to use to each other, but are also entirely the intellect for promoting those values, inseparable. The complete identification and that will be wisdom.6 of thought and action in the life of great people show that they had a pure heart, So, let there be complete coordination led a clean life, and lived with an open mind. between what we know, what we under- They were not guided by ego and prejudices. standingly imbibe, and what we do. Then, The desire for comfort, security, and our thought and deed will have positive success prevents one from having an impact, it will generate an atmosphere open mind. A person with open mind is which will encourage others as well to always alert, awakened, and sensitive to practise the higher values of life in day- the situation and the surroundings. That to-day dealings. is why he does not react, but responds to What I am saying does not apply to a situation. He is not influenced by adverse the great scholars of Religion, Philosophy situations. Because of this alertness and and Psychology; I am not saying it in sensitivity an open mind accepts new the context of those who have studied thoughts and ideas understandingly. In Theosophy in great depth and have actually other words it implies the readiness to lived the Theosophical values. I am sharing understand others’ point of view and to my views regarding the common people explain one’s own view to others. It rules who find it difficult to devote their time out imposition of one’s views on others and energy to ponder over the values of and it insists that one should accept a life that really matter. They are used to a viewpoint only after being convinced of certain pattern of life which they are not its correctness. In this regard, the more sufficiently agitated to change. Such men the receptivity, the greater the depth, and and women generally misinterpret the
June 2014 The Theosophist 23 Let Every Moment be a New Dawn principle of Karma and whatever adverse themselves through us. What is required situation they face they interpret in terms of us is not a casual or indifferent approach, of or as the result of their past karma. But but a positive and constructive attitude and the relevant question to be considered is outlook. Let us utilize the present in the best that even if we are facing some unpleasant possible manner in thought as well as deed. situation because of some intentional or To put it in Krishnaji’s words, ‘look afresh’. unintentional Karma of the past, are we In one of his couplets, the all-time great doing anything in the present in order to Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib says: shape and have at least a better future? The long absence of positive thinking The eyes must be kept open at all times, makes one work against his own self and in all situations, for, it is the intense against the welfare of society. It adversely eagerness, the passion of the viewer, that affects the individual and society as well. makes the flower bloom to its fullest So, if we have to come out of the present extent, to its divine beauty and splendour. crisis, let us change our outlook, let us not It is not just with the eyes of the phy- ignore the present. Let the present be the spring-board for a well-planned better sical body, but with the eyes of the soul, future for humanity as a whole. Proper of one’s vibrant inner being, that one has utilization of available resources and to observe the whole phenomena, the opportunities in the present will make life workings of Nature and of Life. It is then meaningful. We have immense wealth in that every moment will offer a new and the form of Theosophical literature and fresh opportunity, inspiration, zeal, and words of wisdom. Nevertheless, let us not spring of strength, enabling and motiv- wait passively for inspiration to be given ating one to rise and move ahead, working on a platter. Let us labour hard and put in towards what is good, true, and beautiful. our best efforts so that we become the very Every moment, then, will bring not only change itself. Then the innate harmony, a new dawn, but every moment will be a wisdom, and truth on their own will unfold new dawn in its fullest glory and splendour.
References 1. N. Sri Ram, Human Regeneration, Second Reprint, 2002, Theosophical Publishing House pp. 5-7. 2. S. Sundaram, ‘The Essence of Revolution’, The Indian Theosophist, June 2003. 3. General Secretary’s Report, 2003-2004, The Indian Section. 4. N. Sri Ram, ‘The Pursuit of Wisdom’, The Theosophist, July 2004, p. 387. 5. James W. Boyed, ‘Suffering in Theeravade Buddhism’, Suffering: Indian Perspectives, Ed. Kapil N. Tiwari, Motilal Banarasidass, Varanasi, 1986. 6. Asghar Ali Engineer, ‘A Sufi Way to World Peace’, The Theosophist, May 2006, p. 290-291.
24 The Theosophist Vol. 1359 Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom
RADHA BURNIER
BROTHERS and sisters, I am delighted Wisdom has been sometimes described as to be present on this auspicious occasion the recovery of Nature within oneself. which will inaugurate this Centre, meant Regaining one’s natural state of being is for education and spiritual understanding. Wisdom and in that state there is no barrier There could be no better setting for such between the life within and the life outside. a purpose. Barriers are created by the mind and as The whole of our theosophical work long as those barriers exist, we create all is educative; education into a state of Wis- kinds of problems. However, when that dom. ‘Theosophy’, of course, is a word barrier breaks there is an experience of which stands for the Eternal Wisdom, wholeness, which may be an experience Divine Wisdom. There will be a School we all have from time to time, to some of Theosophy here, which means a school degree. Then there is a different source which will help us, or those who come from which action can take place and here, to come nearer to Wisdom. At Adyar, relations are realized. there is the School of the Wisdom, but a When we speak about Universal School of Theosophy cannot be anything Brotherhood, this implies breaking down other than a School of Wisdom. And the division between this life which we where else can one have the opportunity imagine as separate, and the conscious- to contemplate Wisdom, than in a place ness or life which is everywhere — in which makes one more aware of every- grass, in the trees, in the animals, in the thing which belongs to Nature? unknown, in the invisible forms of life It is the tragedy of the human being to which exist. In a place of natural beauty live in a state of, not external isolation like this, there are many invisible influences only, but internal alienation from what is and that is why such places have an natural. Being natural is difficult for the atmosphere which you cannot find where human mind, which has been educated many human beings gather together and into artifice. It has to re-educate itself into fill their immediate surrounding with the being what it is meant to be. Therefore, illusion of separateness. So the main work
Reprint from March 2014, Theosophy in Australia.
June 2014 The Theosophist 25 Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom of a theosophist is to find Wisdom, to break sense of harmony, of peace, enters the down these internal barriers created by our consciousness. I am sure everyone has mode of thinking. There is no difference, experienced that to some extent. One as I see it, between coming to Wisdom begins then to realize that life is precious and realising Universal Brotherhood. not only in particular forms, the particular We very often give a very superficial human beings for whom we have a meaning to the Objects of the Society, preference or particular forms of life, because we do not examine carefully and which our poor eyes are able to appreciate patiently the full implications of those at the moment only. Life is precious Objects. Sometimes, the remark is made everywhere. According to Theosophy, that Universal Brotherhood is an Object everything is living. Only a deep sense of which belongs to the past, that it is obsolete. reverence for all is a sign of Wisdom. You only have to hear the news every day Wisdom is of course different from to know that it is far from obsolete. There knowledge, because knowledge does not is fighting everywhere, atrocious cruelty, help anyone to behave differently, to hatred, lack of understanding. Even from relate differently. However, Wisdom a superficial point of view, it is totally un- spontaneously translates itself into conduct justified to say that Universal Brotherhood and casts its influence on everything that no longer needs to be recognized and we do, not only physically, but our realized. From a deeper point of view, speech, our thoughts, and so forth. So, our there is a level of understanding which is work and duty as theosophists is to come open to everybody and which can com- to this state of Wisdom. It sounds selfish pletely alter the state of human existence. but it is not, because if there is Wisdom in But if we are to learn this Holy a person, he becomes a benefactor of universality then we have to keep our humanity, of whatever he comes into minds free. This is what it means to be a contact with. student of the Wisdom, not to come to any In her little essay on Practical Occultism, conclusions on the basis of superficial HPB says that it is easy to be a theosophist perceptions but to go deeper into the but it is more difficult to be a practical meaning and the nature of all that occultist. Perhaps it was easy to become surrounds us. a theosophist from her point of view. It is certainly easy to become a member of the Holy Universality Theosophical Society, but every member In a book on Taoism the author uses is only beginning and has to learn to the phrase ‘Holy Universality’ because become a theosophist — that is, become when the divisions inside the mind a student of the Wisdom, tread the pathway collapse, even temporarily, even some- of Wisdom, become imbued with what superficially, one becomes aware of Wisdom and become a benefactor of the Holy nature of all that exists. A new humanity. To do this, we have to examine
26 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom patiently the truths that may be too familiar say people are not friendly, so and so is to us, so much so that we do not look into not giving me enough attention, and so them to understand the full implications. forth, but the actual problem is within What is universality, that state in which oneself. If the heart and mind are open, there is no preference within the mind, there can be no loneliness, because we are which means no prejudice? Our minds are one with whatever we are with. full of prejudices. Even when we do not know each other, when we look at each Problems other immediately likes and dislikes arise. Practically every problem can be dealt The dislikes may grow when we come to with, dissipated, if we go into the impli- know each other if our opinions clash or cations of the important principles of our habits are different. However, in the Theosophy. It is not of consequence state of universality there cannot be such whether we learn the details or not. To prejudices. In The Mahatma Letters there probe carefully into their deeper impli- is mention of humanity remaining the cations is important. same for millennia. One of the reasons they Does death really separate? It seems point to is the prejudice within the human to separate. Everywhere when there is mind. We are so ready to formulate separation, there is pain once again. This opinions about others, to classify them, is so common a human experience. But, put them in the approved or the non- if we have even a dim perception of the approved category, and then we proceed truth that there is only one whole, one on the basis of the opinions we have existence within which there may be many formed. But if we are to learn this Holy movements and forms, then — how can Universality then we have to keep our there be a sense of separation, caused by minds free. This is what it means to be a the death of the body or anything else? student of the Wisdom, not to come to any One cannot disappear anywhere, nobody conclusions on the basis of superficial does. The form disappears, the familiar perceptions but to go deeper into the things may not exist any more, but they meaning and the nature of all that are all still there as part of the universality. surrounds us. But because we do not meditate upon this, What are the implications of being the truth of it does not become part of our in such a prejudice-free, open state? Can consciousness. Although we talk about one feel lonely if one experiences this these things and read books on the life universality? So many people suffer from after the death of the physical body, still loneliness; perhaps all of us at some time we suffer in the same way. We struggle experience it. We do not question whether and weep, but should not our study in the that pain is based upon some wrong larger sense of the term change all our perception in ourselves; we attribute it responses to the innumerable situations immediately to circumstances outside. We in life?
June 2014 The Theosophist 27 Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom Why do we continue to feel afraid certain important things, which can act if we are theosophists? A theosophist as guidelines. So it is not for us to tell can never be afraid. Afraid of what? All people what they should think or be. But these problems, loneliness, the pain of we can certainly share with others our separation, fear, absence of peace, all these ardour to come to a different kind of are symptoms of lack of understanding. realization which will naturally result in So educating ourselves into Wisdom is peace and the solution of problems which perhaps the most important work of the everybody wants. theosophist, and this education does not Our realities at present are shadow stop. If we say that we are theosophists or realities. We attach reality to things which we want to be theosophists, it only means are completely unreal, which is why it is that we have started to try to come to this said that he who would find Wisdom Wisdom. If we are interested in this, we can must learn to know what is unreal. Are also communicate to others the importance our perceptions in accordance with the of Wisdom in life, especially in a world actual truth of things? When we say so where people believe that they can make and so is like this, it is only my perception efforts to bring about peace and solve the for the moment. However, I believe that numerous problems of life without changing to be real and act according to that false anything in their own consciousness. reality. Firstly, we have to realize the falseness of the false realities in which we Change from Within: from un- live. Then perhaps we may come to the Wisdom to Wisdom realization of the Truth of things, Truth It is important to communicate the need being what everything is in itself, not as for this change within: from un-Wisdom it is visible to us, but what it actually is. to Wisdom. This other kind of Knowledge, As mentioned in the beginning, the which is Wisdom, can naturally and easily essence of Wisdom is the awareness of make us all friends, give us all a new the unity of all existence, of the Holy perception of the precious nature of life nature of all forms of life. Therefore, all and make everything that we do have a our work must be done in cooperation, in healing touch. We cannot tell people what harmony. We cannot begin with tensions is Wisdom, because we have not come to and divisions and make this journey that state and words do not contain Wisdom. towards Wisdom. In the beginning our The words only indicate something. cooperation may be based on a vaguer Therefore it is not our duty to tell people understanding, but later on that vagueness what to think, what to say or what to do. will disappear and we will be intensely One of the most attractive features of the and fully aware of our relationship with Theosophical Society is that it leaves everything else as part of a whole. So we everybody free to find out for himself, to cannot but associate Universal Brotherhood enquire, to discover. It only indicates with Wisdom.
28 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Opening of the Springbrook Centre: On Wisdom So at this Centre, which is meant both spiritual flowering and that it will give as an educational centre and a spiritual strength to the work of the Theosophical retreat, I hope that many people will be Society, which is nothing other than able to unfold the Wisdom nature within creating a more beautiful world, by themselves; and this education, meaning bringing about an awareness of life at a not only the lectures or classes in this hall, different level. but just being with all the beautiful Let us dedicate this place to that highest surrounding life and taking in something of all aims, which we call Theosophy. Let of its natural harmony, will all be helpful us say together the Invocation to Unity to the world. Very little education comes and spend a few moments in Silence, through words. Words can help, but there offering ourselves without reservation to is an educational process which comes the service of Wisdom. through thoughtful perceptions, through May this Centre be always a great silence, through interior examination, receptacle for the blessings which can plunging into the depths. This is an ideal come from every quarter, in order to help place for all that. humanity to rise from its present state of In the business of our normal everyday darkness into the light. existence in urban surroundings, with the O hidden Life vibrant in every atom pressure to act and always be doing O hidden Light shining in every something, we lose sight of essentials. creature It is good to come away so that we are O hidden Love embracing all in able to look at things with a different oneness perspective, in a different state of mind, May each who feels himself as one with perhaps with different companionship. So thee I hope this will be a Centre for a wonderful Know he is also one with every other.
OFFICIAL NOTICE We are planning to publish a commemoration volume of The Theosophist in October 2014 to honour the memory of our former international President, Mrs Radha Burnier. We hope to receive articles and photographs from our TS members and also from subscribers to and readers of The Theosophist who have had a close association with her and knowledge of her life and work for the TS and other fields. Contributions of articles and relevant materials may be sent to the Head, Editorial Office, Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai 600 020 ([email protected]) to reach us before 30 August 2014. Mr Tim Boyd President
June 2014 The Theosophist 29 Realizing the self Realizing the Self
PRADIP SATPATHY
W. SOMMERSET MAUGHAM is over, thus the wise say the path to well known for creating stories around real salvation is hard’. It is taken from a verse life characters. In his novel, The Razor’s of the Katha Upanishad that says Edge, he vivifies the life of an American Arise, awake, and learn by approaching pilot traumatized by the death of a friend the exalted ones, for that path is sharp as a in a war. He feels suffocated under the razor’s edge, impassable and hard to go veil of the unreal world and embarks upon by, say the wise. the journey of life to find its true meaning. In the quest for finding answers to his Who am I? Where have I come from? questions he renounces an enviable job Where shall I go? These questions have been offer, a bright career, and a beautiful haunting human minds since the history marriage proposal, and takes on the life of civilization. One can find numerous of a wanderer. He moves to different places such examples in mythologies, history, visiting libraries and reading books. His and stories based on real lives, where insatiable desire to achieve the absolute people have renounced the cozy comforts takes him from the corridors of knowledge of family life, friends, society, and even to a subtler spiritual adventure in India. kingdoms, in the quest of finding answers Following the path shown by the exalted to their questions. But why do people ones, he moves from the confines of books generally run away from the familiar to the vast expanse of the universe; from environment to an unknown one in this a state of intense desire to a state of utter pursuit? Is it the hounding of the questions desirelessness; from knowledge to self- that make them so restless that they find it realization. The author happens to meet impossible to continue to live the life they the hero of his novel in the intervals of had been living, or is it that a relatively time, and in his last interaction finds him strange environment gives them the time liberated from the delusion of the unreal and space to channel their energies inward? world, free from bondage — a realized soul. Explanations can be many. The epigraph of the book reads, ‘The In Hindu mythology there is an excep- sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass tional example in king Janaka, who attains
Mr Pradip Satpathy is a member of the Gwalior Lodge, presently residing in Kolkata.
30 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Realizing the self the state of self-realization even being a and failure, are creations of the mind and family man, and that too discharging all the not the concern of the Self. The Self is duties of a king. The process of liberation infinite, like space, and therefore one is depicted through the conversation should understand that ‘I am in all beings, between king Janaka and ·shi Astâvakra, and all beings, are in me’. A person who popularly known as Astavakra Samhita. has attained such knowledge is content, In this classic treatise, the conversation with purified senses, and always enjoys begins with three questions from king solitude. He is neither attached to the Janaka. How can knowledge be acquired? things he has enjoyed, nor does he hanker How can liberation be attained? How is after things he has not enjoyed. He is renunciation possible? The answers to never distressed. these and subsequent questions are in line Once this knowledge is fully realized, with the monistic Vedanta philosophy. there will be nothing left for renunciation. But what makes the treatise stand out from Having attained that state, there will be others is the simplicity and unambiguous- no desire left, not even the desire for ness with which it addresses the subject. liberation, because bondage is the love of Astâvakra, primarily advises to drink the senses, and liberation is indifference the nectar of tolerance, sincerity, com- to the objects of the senses. Knowing passion, contentment, and truthfulness, that the universe is unreal and the Self is and shun the objects of the senses like perfect, to whom misery and happiness, poison. He explains that the Self is not hope and despair, and life and death created of the five elements (earth, fire, are the same, one can enter into the state water, space and ether) nor does it belong of dissolution. to any caste or creed. The Self is not any- With every stage of the teachings, the thing that the eye can see. It is perfect, free, reaction, understanding, and realization actionless consciousness, the all-pervading of king Janaka is described at length. The witness, unattached to anything, desireless elaborate description of king Janaka’s and always at peace. One should burn glowing expression gives a vivid idea down the forest of ignorance with the fire about the feelings of a seeker undergoing of understanding that ‘I am the pure the process of realization. In other words, awareness’. Astâvakra strikes the most the text provides a barometer against which fundamental chord with the simplest a seeker can make an assessment on a possible words, stage-to-stage basis as to where he stands If one thinks oneself as free, one is in this journey of faith. Through the beauty free, and if one thinks oneself as bound, of poetry the text has tried to answer the one is bound, because as one thinks, so inherent questions that come to whoever one becomes. treads the path. Another question that Pleasure and pain, righteousness and flows from these conversations is that if unrighteousness, desire and anger, success the teachings could transform king Janaka,
June 2014 The Theosophist 31 Realizing the self why is not the same experience happening the golden words of Mrs Annie Besant may to me? Maybe, to answer this question, provide the perfect answer: Astâvakra has explained that a person of It may be said that to serve in the evolution pure intelligence may achieve the goal by of man is as the club or dumb-bell serves the most casual instructions, whereas the purpose of the athlete. He could not another may seek knowledge for his strengthen his muscles unless there was whole life and still remain bewildered. It something against which he exercised is understandable that king Janaka was them. He could not gain muscular vigour already an elevated soul and the teachings unless there were opposing weights by of §shi Astâvakra helped him open the door struggling to lift which the muscles should to salvation. However lucid the teachings grow strong. The value is not in the weight might appear to be, the essence lies in itself, but in the use to which it is put, and the preparation the seeker has to make for if a man wants his physical muscles, the such realization. muscles of his arms, to grow very strong, When the currents of our lower nature the best way to strengthen them is to take are incessantly swaying one towards sense a club or dumb-bell and daily exercise the gratification, just holding to one’s ground muscles against the opposing force. In this looks impossible. But here one has to way Tamas, negligence, or darkness, plays swim against these currents and rise above its part in the evolution of man; he has to the lower forces. That is why the ·shi-s overcome it, he develops his strength in have compared this path to the razor’s the struggle; the muscles of the soul grow edge. There is a common feeling that one powerful as he overcomes the negligence, has to renounce one’s family and society the sloth, the indifference, which is the and lead the life of a sannyasi to achieve tamasic quality in his nature. spiritual illumination, but the story of king Janaka raises the aspirations of those who The same analogy may be drawn endeavour for such pursuits while leading for the obstacles one has to face treading a normal life. the spiritual path while discharging the The mountains, the caves, the forests duties of a family person. The more the may provide a conducive milieu for such obstacles, the more are the opportunities practices, but for those who are discharging to strengthen the soul and smoothen the their duties within the confines of society, path that is as impassable as a razor’s edge.
The self is put together, and it is only in undoing the self that that which is not the result of influence, which has no cause, can be known. J. Krishnamurti Commentaries on Living (First Series), p. 135
32 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 No Effort is Lost Towards Pursuing Noble Intentions No Effort is Lost Towards Pursuing Noble Intentions
G. DAKSHINA MOORTHY
NO effort is lost towards pursuing noble Noble intentions are those that are intentions. — Do you agree? This is the moved by love, compassion, and empathy theosophical theory of least effort. It towards all creatures. However, what explains the simple truth that to swim we see in daily life is that man acts against the current (an allegory to lower prompted by his desire for pleasure and life, or the life of the commoner, the self-enjoyment, i.e., selfish intentions, ordinary human being) is to strain one- disregarding others’ interests. Well, what self. This dissipates all of one’s energy. is wrong with one pursuing one’s own Man falls into agony and despair. ends? You see, it is our intentions that If you agree with this; how? — Upon carry us forward in life. Intentions drive being taught; upon reading through us to act and exert effort, which is to spend authorities; or upon experiencing its truth energy. Can one explain the process of within yourself? Unless it is the latter, you dissipation of energy? must listen with concern. The theory works Let us recollect from J. Krishnamurti at directing humanity to its perfection. talks: A Sunday-by-Sunday confession of One’s own motives, opinions, beliefs, the Christian faith pronounces: fears, likes and dislikes, form the content We have done those things which we of one’s mind. Out of them one defines ought not to have done, and we have left the pattern of one’s life, which one will undone those things which we ought to be unable to come out of, for fear of un- have done. certainty and insecurity. As a result, humankind is getting doubly One’s own pattern of life is partial and depleted of energy, owing to lack of peculiar to oneself. It is imperfect and does wisdom, and is unable to reach the goal not conform to the wholeness of things, of life. We are constantly living in conflict, which is the true frame of life. Truth is and so repeatedly losing our energy. what is. Impelled by one’s own pattern of
Mr G. Dakshina Moorthy is Vice-President of the Karnataka Theosophical Federation. Talk delivered at the international Convention, Adyar, in December 2013.
May 2014 The Theosophist 33 No Effort is Lost Towards Pursuing Noble Intentions life, chosen by oneself, one considers life As Odysseus gives up his intentions in terms of what should be. So, according of being aggressive and ambitious, the to JK ‘. . . the difference between “what Olympian deities exert their power in his is” and “what”, according to one’s pattern, favour; Calypso abandons her induce- “should be” is the cause of conflict’. What ments and, alike, Circe is transformed from is the effect of this conflict? JK explains a temptress into a helper. Athena restores further: ‘. . . Energy is dissipated in the him to the prime of life. conflict between “what is” and “what Back upon his arrival, Odysseus is should be”.’ easily recognized by his aged nurse and One loosing energy by working is a his faithful dog. But Penelope does not common mundane experience. Conflict immediately throw herself into his arms. between ‘what is’ and ‘what should be’ Even when Athena restores him to the causes dissipation of energy; we can notice prime of life, and to greater dignity and the movement of our thought from the beauty he has to prove his identity to concrete to the abstract. Penelope before she will accept him. I shall try to explain by taking you ‘The Lower’ and ‘the Higher’ briefly through Homer’s Odysseus. In In this story, Odysseus portrays every country of the world there are symbolically the awakened mind of man legends which hold allegorical expositions. seeking after long years of battling with They seek to pass on the quintessence of worldly things, represented by the higher life through generations. Of such, Trojans, to regain knowledge of himself. Homer’s Odysseus has outdone other He represents the active mentality, legends for its brilliant exposition. fighting against obstacles and pushing onwards in rapid movement. Homer’s Odysseus Penelope, his wife, sits before her Odysseus longs for victory, possession, loom, waiting patiently at home for him and glory in life. He goes after the Trojans to return. Standing for the higher nature, in battle and achieves his goal. In the or spiritual intuition, she remains in the course of his expeditions he gets separated background of the whole poem as a from his wife, Penelope, his hearth, and permeating influence. country; grows ragged, worn, and turned The point of Penelope not accepting into an ugly old man, as a result of the play Odysseus at sight is that anyone wishing of allurements of Calypso, the temptations recognition by the higher Self must make of Circe and the cruel blights of Athena. a clear demand; he must unmistakably He realizes the pretences of worldly de- recognize and call upon his inner god signs and decides to turn homeward. He before it can help him. needed to find for himself the true path that leads him homeward, builds a new vessel ªvetâºvatara with his own hands, and sets out for home. This brings to our mind the allegory
34 The Theosophist Vol. 135.8 No Effort is Lost Towards Pursuing Noble Intentions of the two birds — allegorical of the lower The Mundaka Upanishad, in its run, life and higher life, of a verse from the rends this invaluable instruction: ªvetâºvatara Upanishad: A hero has to depend upon his mighty bow dvâ suparnâ sayujâ sakhâyâ for success — the bow that none other samânam v·ksham parishasvajâte can wield — instead of the more logical tayor anyah pippalam svâdvatty weapons of sword or spear. Having taken anaºnannanyo abhichâkaºeti the bow, the great weapon, let him place on it the arrow, sharpened by devotion. [Two birds sitting on the same perch of a Then, having drawn it with a thought Pippalam Tree; one eating the fruits from directed to THAT which is, hit the mark, the tree and enjoying its effects; the other O friend — the Indestructible. sitting simply and observing] The target is to be hit by a man who is You are familiar with the allegory from not thoughtless; and then, as the arrow the Upanishad. The bird eating the fruit becomes one with the target, he will and enjoying its effects is the lower self, become one with Brahman. Becoming one that part of man driven by the capabilities with the Brahman means switching over of the lower quaternary. The other bird, to the true life, the higher life, above the sitting simply and watching, is the higher mundane; matching what is with what Self driven by the higher triad of man. It should be; coming out of our patterns and represents the witness state, the no-mind rejoining the natural stream of life, which state, stithaprajnatva. As Theosophists, is the cosmic order of evolution, removing you would readily follow the significance the difference between the observer and of this verse. the observed.
Gitâ Conclusion: In the Bhagavadgitâ it is said: man has Effort is needed to rise out of a low level two selves, one linking him with matter, of emotion or sensation, into the higher the other with Spirit. He himself has to state. In that higher state the soul can speak decide which of the selves he gives through the heart of the creator instead of expression to — the lower or the higher. through the human senses. When on that The Gitâ has taught us to discern karma plane, effort is required to maintain that from akarma. Akarma has the noble which is gained, but no effort is needed intention of caring for others, unselfishness when the soul is speaking from the heart, (Chapter III, Verse 9), Akarma is that for then the work flows of its own accord action of ours which does not bind us to as the flow of a full river. The inference the results of action. This is also termed is: no energy is spent in living in a higher nishkâma karma, i.e., actions without Self, i.e., living nobly, driven by love desire for fruits (Chapter III, Verse 25). and compassion towards all creatures! µ
May 2014 The Theosophist 35 Theosophical Work around the World Theosophical Work around the World
Adyar Earlier that afternoon, in the open-air On the evening of 27 April 2014 the Adyar Theatre, refreshments were served result of the election to the position of and the President was able to meet and international President of the Theosophical speak informally with workers of the Society was communicated to the members various departments of the estate, as well of its General Council. Calmly, Mr Tim as with residents and friends of the TS, Boyd walked into the Adyar headquarters, all of whom warmly welcomed him. met the members of the Executive The White Lotus Day function in the Committee, and assumed charge as the morning of 8 May was the first formal eighth international President of the TS. meeting presided over by the new The following evening, on 28 April, at President, at which he gave the opening the Headquarters Hall, Adyar, the result of remarks. He recalled that the life of HPB the TS Presidential election was officially was one of ‘pursuit of deeper knowledge’, declared by the international Secretary, and that it was an occasion to recommit Mr Chittaranjan Satapathy, followed to the principles and ever-flowing spirit by a simple ceremony of welcome. The of the profound wisdom which HPB Blavatsky Ring of Office was presented brought forth. to the newly elected President by the On the evening of the same day, after General Manager, Mr Harihara Raghavan, an introduction and welcome address by and a short talk was then given by Mr Boyd. the General Manager, the President gave Thanking all TS members regardless of a public inaugural address attended by how they voted, the President said he was around 250 people from different parts of at once honoured and humbled in accep- Chennai city. As part of his talk, he illus- ting this position held by such personages trated how the mind clings to the protection as Annie Besant, N. Sri Ram, and Radha of the little self in so many ways, and thus Burnier. He added that there was a great the soothing balm of Theosophy is more need to continue to take Theosophy to all relevant than ever before. Striking a the peoples of the world because today, positive note, he reiterated that ‘the seed as well as it was after the major world wars, has been planted within each one of us, there is a loud call for spreading the culture and it is up to each one of us to allow the of universal brotherhood. He struck an seed to grow’. The complete transcription instant chord with the audience with his of the talk is published in this issue. The candid approach, cheerfully braving meeting concluded with inspiring chanting Chennai’s hot summer. by Ms K. Jaishree.
36 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Newly appointed international President, Mr Tim Boyd, interacts with workers, residents, and friends of the TS, at Adyar, on 28 April 2014
June 2014 The Theosophist 37 The President, Mr Tim Boyd, during his inaugural address on 8 May 2014
38 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 Theosophical Work around the World The Netherlands usual, the fragments from the poem by In the last week of March 2014, a Edwin Arnold, The Light of Asia, The symposium on ‘The Challenge of the Bhagavadgitâ, and The Voice of the Soul: Truth, Knowledge and Wisdom’ Silence were read. Remembrances and was organized by the TS in Amsterdam, reflections of HPB as well as music and Netherlands. It was the fifth in the poetry were presented. The issue of mod- series of symposiums initiated by the ern theosophical life was also discussed. LectoriumRosicrucianum. There were This year at Kyiv, on White Lotus Day, eight lectures in this day-long programme, a solemn public meeting took place at the six were given by members of various TS in Ukraine. Citizens marked the spiritual organizations and one each by a 123rd anniversary of the passing of their professor of the Amsterdam University prominent countrywoman. Members felt and an Art Historian. The symposium was it is necessary to restore the name of well attended with over 350 visitors. Helena Blavatsky in the Ukrainian national The subject of the symposium was treasury and to give her a worthy place in explored by the lectures, from the perspec- the history and culture of Ukraine. The tives of the speakers of the Lectorium TS in Ukraine recalled that at one time Rosicrucianum, the Amsterdam University, HPB wrote: ‘When I die, people, maybe, the Sufi Movement, the Theosophical will do justice to my unselfish aspir- Society, the Rosicrucian Order AMORC, ations. I swore to help people on the way the Anthroposophical Society, and the to Truth while I live, and I will adhere to Co-Masonic Order of Le Droit Humain. it. Let them disgrace me and offend me. It made for an interesting symposium to Let someone name me a medium, spir- hear points of view presented by the itualist, or swindler. That day will come various spiritual organizations not only when future generations will learn to where they differ in their approach to the better understand me.’ The Ukraine mem- subject, but more so where there was bers ponder: has that day arrived? They congruity in realizing the same objective, say: ‘We approach HPB with our life, which is inner growth and making pro- dreams, and aspirations. And each of us gress on the Path. must ask ourselves if we deservingly continue that service at the altar on which Ukraine HPB placed her love. In fact, she found The White Lotus Day celebrations in an international elucidative movement Ukraine, the birthplace of our Co-Founder, that is called to spread the idea of Mme Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, were Brotherhood to all peoples throughout the held in all the theosophical branches world. Today we are witnesses of the and study centres of Ukraine. Solemn challenges that are experienced in living gatherings were held on this day. As this noble ideal!’
June 2014 The Theosophist 39 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Email address [email protected] [email protected] Theosofi The Indian Theosophist Gangleri Teozófia Ilisos Adyar Le Lotus Bleu Teosofi The Light Bearer Chilena Revista Teosófica Selección Teosófica Sophia The West African Theosophist The West Theosofie Adyar Teozofija The Theosophical Light The South African Theosophist Le Lotus Bleu Theosophy in Australia Magazine Newsletter Teosofía en Argentina en Teosofía … Rosario … ška ulica 24, 10000 Zagreb … Voukourestiou St., 106 71-Athens St., Voukourestiou … Jakarta 11410, Timur Helsinki San Juan Puerto Rico Apartado 23 00926 CEP 70200-630 Brasilia (DF) Boisbriand QC., J7H 1K7 Estacion Central, Santiago Barrio Palermo, Bogotá Managua, Nicaragua Bagmari Road, Kolkata 700 054 Sims Avenue Centre, Singapore 387 603 Avenue Sims Ronean, 38 Princesses Ave., Windsor E. 2194Windsor Ave., Ronean, 38 Princesses … eosofinen Seura, Vironkatu 7 C 2, Fin 00170,Vironkatu eosofinen Seura, … The Theosophical Society, Varanasi 221 010Varanasi Theosophical Society, The … Oberbaumgarten 25, 4204 Haibach im Mühlkreis … Address … Santiago 257 — 2000, I N T E R A O L D C Y
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1919
1954 1902
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1897 1896 1913 1935
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42 The Theosophist Vol. 135.9 BOOKS BY GEOFFREY BARBORKA
H. P. BLAVATSKY, TIBET, AND TULKU A major portion of this book is devoted to H. P. Blavatsky’s writings, particularly to the manner in which they are written. The predominant motif is to describe the superior spiritual status she attained before she commenced her stupendous work as a benefactor of the human race. As there is no single English word that conveys the spiritual powers she acquired, the author turns to Tibet for a suitable term — Tulku. This term is clarified along with other little known words and an illuminating philosophical exposition is given dealing with some of the mysteries of life which have been studied for ages in the East.
THE MAHATMAS AND THEIR LETTERS Two Mahatmas inspired the founding of the Theosophical Society in 1875. But who are the Mahatmas? Are they real persons? How authentic are their letters? What is the story behind their origin? These and many more questions are answered in seventeen chapters containing facsimiles of the letters and other materials of much interest.
THE STORY OF HUMAN EVOLUTION The Story of Human Evolution is a study of how the first human beings came to the Earth and the subsequent evolutionary stages through which they passed. It is recorded in the form of a commentary on the Second Series of the Stanzas of Dzyan which deal with Anthropogenesis. The study is carried out in five distinct phases, each phase devoted to one root race. The modes of procreation are considered, as also the continental systems in which evolution occurred. These include the Hyperborean continent, Lemuria and Atlantis.
THE DIVINE PLAN The Secret Doctrine is the source of this book. Many students felt the need for further explanation of that profound text, and Barborka had set himself to this task, ultimately resulting in the writing of The Divine Plan.
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